Organics Recycling for Businesses: Getting Started with Food Waste Recycling

What types of organic waste can businesses recycle?

Commercial food waste recycling can accommodate materials such as food manufacturing and processing residuals, liquid food and beverage waste, bakery waste, produce, dairy residuals, and fats, oils and grease (FOG).

Acceptance depends on the receiving facility’s requirements, including material composition, contamination, quantity and delivery method. Start by identifying the food waste your business generates and keeping suitable materials separate from general trash.

BTS Bioenergy’s Maryland Bioenergy Center in Jessup accepts approved bulk liquid food waste and loose, source-separated solid food waste for recycling through anaerobic digestion.

How can businesses identify opportunities to divert food waste from landfills?

Review where food waste occurs in your operation, including production, processing, warehousing and distribution. Record the material type, estimated quantity, disposal frequency and current handling method.

Keep track of different waste streams separately. Off-spec beverages, surplus ingredients and loose production residuals may require different handling arrangements. Note any packaging, cleaning chemicals or other contaminants so the receiving facility can evaluate the material accurately.

This assessment gives your team the information needed to explore recycling options and compare them with your current disposal arrangements.

What are the practical steps for starting a food waste recycling program?

Begin with these steps:

1. Identify the materials your business generates.

2. Estimate the tons or gallons per load and how often disposal is needed.

3. Document your location, storage arrangements and transportation needs.

4. Submit the information to a receiving facility for material review and pricing.

5. Obtain acceptance approval and schedule delivery before shipping a load.

At the Maryland Bioenergy Center, bulk liquids arrive by tanker truck, and loose solid food waste arrives in bulk truckloads. All materials require approval, and deliveries must be scheduled with the facility.

What benefits can businesses gain from organics recycling?

Recycling approved food waste through anaerobic digestion diverts it from landfills and converts it into renewable natural gas (RNG). It can also support a business’s waste reduction goals and provide a recycling outlet for qualifying materials subject to organics diversion requirements.

Financial results depend on disposal fees, transportation, storage and handling costs. Compare the complete cost of a proposed recycling program with your current arrangements to determine whether it offers savings.

Discuss any reporting or documentation needs with the receiving facility before establishing your program.

How can businesses find out whether their food waste is a fit for MBC?

Provide your material type and source, estimated quantity, location, disposal frequency, and any packaging or contamination present. Include whether you have transportation arranged.

The MBC team will review your waste stream for acceptance and discuss pricing and delivery requirements.

Request a food waste disposal quote from the Maryland Bioenergy Center.